Why interiors matter for young disabled adults in residential care

We all know that our surroundings matter to both our physical and mental health. When we spend time indoors, we don’t just want our space to be clean and tidy, it should be fun, inspiring and reflect our personalities. Especially for teenagers and young adults. So why should it be different for young disabled people spending time in residential care?

Mood Interiors has been challenging clinical care stereotypes when it comes to the interiors of residential care for young adults. They’re hoping that their design of a residence offering short stays for young adults, and also younger children, who have disabilities, complex health needs and challenging behaviour inspires other homes to follow their lead.

About the project
Stourbridge House opened in May this year and the venture was commissioned by Wolverhampton City Council and funded by Progress Care Solutions.
Mood Interiors has recently completed the interior design of Stourbridge House, a state of the art residence that offers short stays for children and young adults aged 16-25 who have disabilities, complex health needs and challenging behaviour. The venture, which opened in May this year, was commissioned by Wolverhampton City Council and funded by Progress Care Solutions.

Some of the key ideas Mood put into place at Stourbridge House included:
• Using colour to enable the young people to navigate and make sense of the space around them
• Using autism-friendly design, which included avoiding the use of complicated patterns, diagonal lines and certain colours
• Employing the most appropriate LRV values to ensure visually impaired people can get round the building easily
• Using colour psychology to ensure mental wellbeing. This included using soft colour palettes in the quiet room and dining area, to increase concentration and appetite and to calm individuals who may be experiencing a high energy episode
• Enabling independence and encouraging learning life skills through state of the art assisted technologies and elements like adjustable height surfaces in the kitchen
• The installation of a sensory room equipped with lighting, textures and the latest technologies, such as projectors
• Ensuring that all site areas were suitable for wheelchair users

Preet Dhanoa at Mood Interiors, said ‘At Mood Interiors, we truly believe that everyone should love their living space, irrespective of their age, location, gender or ability. That’s why when we were asked to work on Stourbridge House, we were really excited.
‘There’s no reason why the care environment has to be bland, especially where children and young adults are concerned. The whole idea behind the design at Stourbridge House was to make it feel like a home from home and to make it a place where children and young people want to be.
We achieved this through the clever use of design, paying close attention to colour psychology, embracing accessibility and encouraging independence at all stages. So far, we’ve had fantastic feedback and can’t wait to see how the children and young people get on.’

I love the bright and fun colours at Stourbridge House. It’s not boring like other homes and is an exciting place to stay.

Staying at Stourbridge House is really fun and I really enjoy spending time there. It’s a happy place where I can spend time with my friends and relax.

Read more about Mood Interiors and let us know what you think about their new venture. Should this be the way forward for young disabled people who spend time in residential care? Let us know at hello@myfamilyourneeds.co.uk or tweet us @weareMFON

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